Hobbyhorse



K. E. DUNBAR May 8, 1951 HOBBYHORSE 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed March 15, 1946 [flue/afar Jfa r/ 15'. lumbar:

llfimeas' M y 1951 K. E. DUNBAR 2,552,002

HOBBYHORSE Filed March 15, 1946 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Jrwenfor liar/rays Patented May 8, 1951 UNITED STATES TENT UFFICE 4 Claims.

This invention relates to an amusement and training device for children, and more particularly to a device for training a small child to utilize a commode.

A primary object of this invention is the pro- I vision of a device adapted for the amusement and entertainment of a small child while seated upon a commode for the performance of natural functions, thus lessening the tedium of waiting and holdin the childs interest until such functions have been performed.

An additional object of the invention is the provision of such a device characterized by mobility, whereby the normal bodily motion of a small child while seated upon a commode is translated into motion of the apparatus, to the edification of the child, thus holding his interest.

As conducive to a clearer understanding of this invention, it may here be pointed out that in training a small child to utilize the commode, the child, when seated thereon, frequently becomes restless, and by bodily movement not infrequently upsets the device, or falls, or creates other difiiculties. An object of this invention, therefore, is the provision of a device whereby, when the child is compelled to remain in such a situation for a relatively long period of time, such bodily motion may be accommodated without harmful consequences, and further, by impartation of movement to the device will amuse and 'hold the interest of the child.

A still further object of the invention is the provision of such a device which will be sturdy and durable in construction, reliable and efficient in operation, and relatively simple to construct, empty and clean.

Other objects will in part be obvious and in part be pointed out as the description of the invention proceeds, and shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein there is disclosed a preferred embodiment of this inventive concept.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is 'a side elevational view of one form of the device embodying this inventive concept, certain concealed portions thereof being indicated in dotted lines.

Figure 2 is a top plan view of the device disclosed in Figure 1. Figure 3 is a side View partially in section and 5 partially in elevation of the device disclosed in Figure l. v

Figure 4 is a sectional view taken substantially along the line l,4 of Figure 3.

View of a modified form of a constructional detail.

Similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the several views of the drawmgs.

Having reference now to the drawings, the device is comprised of a base l0, provided with a centrally positioned fixed supporting post I l and having spaced parallel guide rails l2, as best shown in Figure 4, providing guide channels for rollers l3 rotatably mounted at the extremities of legs I 4 of a body portion 15, which may be in simulation of a horse, or any other desired animal, or the like. As best shown in Figure 3, the body portion I5 is hollow and provided with a central recess l6, and an elongated slot 11 in the lower portion thereof, through which the supporting post I I extends, in such manner that linear or longitudinal movement of the body within the channels i2, is permitted with respect to the post H, such motion being accomplished in a manner to be more fully described hereinafter.

The forward extremity of the body portion I5 is provided with a slotted aperture it, within which is pivotally mounted, as on a pivot l9, a portion 20 in simulation of a horses head and neck.

The portion 29 is provided With relatively rigid rods 2! terminating in a handle portion 22, and secured, as at 23, to the bridle 24 of the horse, the arrangement being such that "pressure exerted on the handle 22 results in pivotal movement of the head portion 20 about the pivot l 9.

The lower portion of the member 25 is pivoted, as on a pivot 25, below the pivot l9 to a link 26, the opposite end of which is pivoted, as on a pivot 21, to the upper extremity of the post ll. Thus, it will be seen that pressure on the handle 22 imparting motion about the pivot point l9'to the member 20 results through the linkage above described in linear movement of the body [5 with- 0 back 33 may be provided affixed to the body to afford a rest for the child positioned on the animal, and straps 34 may also be provided for securing the child against an accidental fall. If desired, stirrups 35 may also be provided (see Figure5 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional 56 Fig. 1).

If desired, the aperture may be closed by a suitable cover (not shown) in order that the device may be used as a toy alone.

From the foregoing the operation of the device should be readily apparent. When it is desired to have the child attend to a call of nature, he is positioned upon the commode 30 as though astride a horse, or other animal, and secured in position, as by means of the straps 34. Obviously, if the child grasps the handle 22 and pushes or pulls thereupon, the head portion 20 will be caused to move about the pivot l9, thus resulting in a reciprocatory movement of the body 15, to the edification and amusement of the child, and in such manner as to hold his interest for the requisite period of time.

A modified form of construction is disclosed in Figure 5, wherein there is disclosed a body I5 provided with a slot I8, into which extends the extremity of a head portion 20' pivoted, as on a pivot l9. A post H extends upwardly into the body portion through a suitable slot H.

In this modification, however, the post H is provided with an extending portion 40 which extends forwardly into the slot l8 and is provided on its upper surface with a rack 6| comprised of a plurality of teeth. The lower portion of the member 20 is arcuate in configuration, and is provided with a toothed segment 42 adapted to engage with the rack 4|. Obviously, in this modification, movement of the portion 20' in either direction will, through engagement with the rack, cause a movement of the body portion 15' similar to that previously discussed in the foregoing modification.

From the foregoing it will now be seen that there is herein provided a device accomplishing all the objects of this invention, and others, including many advantages of great practical utility and commercial importance.

As many embodiments may be made of this inventive concept, and as many modifications may be made in the embodiment hereinbefore shown and described, it is to be understood that all matter herein is to be interpreted merely as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

I claim:

1. A movable support comprising a hollow body having an elongated recess in one end, and an elongated recess in the lower side thereof, means on said body providing a seat and a seat back, and four supporting legs depending from said body, a supporting base beneath said legs, respective guideways on said base for the lower ends of said legs, a post secured to said base and extending upwardly through said recess in the lower side of said body, a movable member having one end portion extending through said recess in one end of said body, a pivotal connection between said movable member and said body, a link pivotally connected at one end to the upper end of said post and at its opposite end to said movable member at a location spaced from said pivotal connection whereby movement of said member about said pivotal connection imparts translatory movement of said body and legs relative to said base, a pair of rods pivotally connected at corresponding ends to said movable member at a location spaced from said pivotal connection between said movable member and said body, and a handle connected to the opposite ends of said rods and disposed adjacent said seat.

2. A movable support comprising a hollow body simulating an animal body, a base, guideways on said base, wheels on said body supporting said body on said guideways for movement relative to said base, and means for moving said body relative to said base comprising an animal head simulating member pivotally mounted on said body, a post extending from said base into said hollow body, means connecting said head member to the upper end of said post, and occupantoperated means connected to said head member for imparting pivotal movement to the latter relative to said body.

3. A movable support comprising a hollow body simulating an animal body, a base, guideways on said base, wheels on said body supporting said body on said guideways for movement relative to said base, and means for moving said body relative to said base comprising an animal head simulating member pivotally mounted on said body, a post extending from said base into said hollow body, means connecting said head member to the upper end of said post, and occupantoperated means connected to said head member for imparting pivotal movement to the latter relative to said body, said means connecting said head member to said post comprising a link pivotally connected at one end to said head member at a location spaced from the pivotal connection between said head member and said body. and a pivotal connection between the opposite end of said link and said post.

4. A movable support comprising a hollow body simulating an animal body, a base, guideways on said base, Wheels on said body supporting said body on said guideways for movement relative to said base, and means for moving said body relative to said base comprising an animal head simulating member pivotally mounted on said body, a post extending from said base into said hollow body, means connecting said head member to the upper end of said post, and occupantoperated means connected to said head member for imparting pivotal movement to the latter relative to said body, said means connecting said head member to said post comprising a gear sector on said head member adjacent the pivotal connection between said head member and said body, and a rack on said post having teeth in mesh with the teeth of said gear sector.

KARL E. DUNBAR.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 944,020 DeCamp Dec. 21, 1909 1,638,040 Killen Aug. 9, 1927 1,688,282 Mallard Oct. 16, 1928 2,050,114 Moore Aug. 4, 1936 2,446,381 Middleton Aug. 3, 1948 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 357,940 Germany Sept. 2, 1922 

